Exploring the need for a mental champion training manual for junior tennis players
Exploring the need for a mental champion training manual for junior tennis players
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Issue Date
2009
Authors
Rivers, Kristen Waugh
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if a mental skills workbook would be beneficial to help competitive junior tennis players learn mental skills. The target audiences for such a workbook are the players themselves and their support system, which includes the parents and coaches. Participants in the current study were chosen to provide a diverse perspective on the topic and included two parents, two junior tennis players, three coaches and three professionals. They ranged in age from 14-46 years old. Each participant answered questions from a semi structured interview format. The qualitative research methodology of content analysis was used to analyze the results from the interviews. Preliminary data strongly suggests that the participants believe competitive junior tennis players need to become mentally tough to achieve success. Other research collected established the five main qualities a Mental Champion tennis player needs to possess in order to be successful. These five qualities included staying focused, possessing a will to win, controlling emotions, and overcoming adversity in all types of situations. Future considerations beyond this study could include exposing junior players to a Mental Champion Training Manual (MCTM) and then monitoring before and after success rates on and off the court. Other considerations could involve helping juniors identify immediate mental needs which parents and coaches can work together to provide the support needed for a balanced and happy tennis experience.